The Motor Boys on the Pacific eBook

“Indeed we have,” went on Mr. De Vere.
“Now, Ned, see how soon you can put us alongside.”

“It will not take long,” declared the
young engineer. “It’s only a few
miles.”

The Ripper proved worthy of her name, for she fairly
“ripped” through the waves, and, in a
short time, was so close to the derelict that they
had to slow up.

“Put us up under the port quarter,” advised
Mr. De Vere. “Luckily there is not much
of a swell on, and we can easily get aboard as she
sets low in the water. She must be leaking.”

With skillful hand Ned brought the motor boat alongside.
The anchor chains were hanging low from the hawse
holes and as they approached Jerry prepared to catch
hold and swing himself up. He had reached out
his hand, and was just going to grasp the links, when,
from the deck of the deserted brig there came savage
growls and barks. Jerry jumped back in alarm
and Ned, who had jammed a boat hook in the side of
the brig, to hold the Ripper steady, looked up.

“It’s dogs!” he cried. “Two
of ’em!”

As he spoke two savage looking creatures thrust their
heads up over the low rail. They were large dogs,
of the wolf-hound variety; great shaggy creatures,
and they growled in a menacing manner.

“They must have left the dogs aboard when they
so strangely deserted the ship,” said Mr. De
Vere. “I suppose they’re glad to see
us. They must be lonesome. Try again, Jerry.
I would, if I had the use of my two arms.”

Once more Jerry prepared to ascend by means of the
chains, but the dogs almost leaped over the rail at
him, showing their teeth, while the hair on as much
of their backs as could be seen stood up in ridges.
Foam dripped from their jaws.

“Look out!” cried Bob. “Those
dogs are mad! Be careful!”

Savage growls and barks from the angry beasts emphasized
his words. There was no doubt of it. The
dogs were mad from fear and hunger. They disputed
the advance of the voyagers, and would not let them
aboard.

“Try on the other side,” suggested Mr.
De Vere.

The boat was worked around to the other side of the
bow, but the dogs followed, and stood on guard there.

“Maybe we can get up at the stern,” said
Jerry. “Perhaps the dogs can’t make
their way aft.”

But it was the same there. The maddened animals
were ready to fly at the throats of any one who should
attempt to board the derelict.

“What’s to be done?” asked Ned.
“We didn’t count on this. Those are
fierce dogs.”

“Indeed they are,” replied Mr. De Vere.
“It would not be safe to risk getting too close
to them.”

“But what can we do?” asked Jerry.
“If we wait here too long, Blowitz may appear.”

“We’ve got to do something,” said
the boy’s employer. “The only thing
I can see to do is to shoot the dogs. I’ll
get my rifle,” and he went into the cabin, where
he had left his weapon, one of several he had brought
aboard.